Discuss the pros and cons of using antidepressant medication in ...

[shofmannx20]

Discuss the pros and cons of using antidepressant medication in children and adolescents. How would you advise a family considering the use of antidepressant medication in their child?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Which statement about bipolar and depressive disorders is accurate?
 
  a. There is stronger evidence of genetic influence for depressive disorders than for bipolar disorders.
  b. The age of onset is typically earlier for depressive disorders than for bipolar disorders.
  c. There are circadian rhythm abnormalities present in both depressive disorders and bipolar disorders.
  d. Bipolar disorder is more common among females while depression is more common among men.

[6ana001]

Answer to Question 1

 Pros: Can be effective when combined with therapy; consider the risk in not treating depression both in short-term and long-term impact on child; a combination of medications can be helpful in severe forms of bipolar disorder
 Cons: May be related to suicidal thoughts, long-term effects may not be fully known; effectiveness has been shown to be minimal
 Advice: consider age of child, severity of symptoms, other treatment options, ability to monitor side effects, weigh pros and cons; may want to try a trial of psychotherapy (particularly for milder cases) before beginning medication; consider possibility of adherence to medication treatment (only 35 display full medication adherence); issue of informed consent for children

Answer to Question 2

C

[shofmannx20]

Great answer, keep it coming

[chjcharjto14]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it